How Our Business Model Benefits You
Is there a better way to sell your home? Are % commissions the best choice? Increased awareness of non-traditional business models, like that of Assist 2 Sell, has spawned a national debate about the differences between traditional real estate Companies and discount real estate companies.
People involved in the discussion try to characterize real estate companies as being either traditional or discount.
It would be more accurate to differentiate using three categories:
Full-Service/High Commission - So-called "traditional" real estate companies
Full-Service/Discounted Commission - Assist 2 Sell
Limited Service/Discounted Commission - Real estate companies that offer "menu of services" or limited service. Fees are charged for the services that are selected, usually, but not always, at a discounted commission.
As a "discounter," Assist 2 Sell is often inaccurately lumped in with the third category, "Limited Service/Discounted Commission." A key difference between Assist 2 Sell and others in the "discount" real estate sphere is the level of service.
Assist 2 Sell discovered early on that while sellers love the discounted commission, they still need and want full-service.
Assist 2 Sell is a full service real estate brokerages staffed by experienced, licensed real estate professionals who are members of the Canadian Real Estate Association as well as the Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS®. They take care of everything home sellers need from a real estate company, but charge a lower commission.
How is Assist 2 Sell different from "traditional" real estate companies?
The only difference between Assist 2 Sell and "traditional" real estate companies lies in the commission structure. Traditional firms typically charge home sellers a commission that is a percentage of the sale price. (Example: five percent). Assist 2 Sell offices charge a low, flat fee commission. (Example: As low as $2,995!)
With Assist 2 Sell, home sellers are given choices regarding how their home is marketed.
How is Assist 2 Sell different from other "discount" real estate companies?
Assist 2 Sell is a full service discount real estate company. Other companies that discount their commission do so by taking away services. If they charge less, they are going to do less. Some "Limited Service/Discounted Commission" companies charge upfront fees. Others are Internet-based and may only offer placement of the house in the MLS® and rely on the MLS®-selling broker to handle the entire transaction. While these models do have some appeal, Assist 2 Sell has found they are not a solution for the majority of home sellers who want and need full-service but don't want to pay a high commission.
How is Assist 2 Sell different from "For Sale by Owner" real estate companies?
Some homeowners decide to sell their home without the assistance of a real estate broker. Most "For Sale by Owner" (FSBO) real estate companies simply help these homeowners advertise their house on the Internet. Assist 2 Sell is not a "For Sale by Owner" solution; it is a full-service real estate brokerage.
Assist 2 Sell understands why many people decide to sell their home by themselves, and it is ready to assist with its "Paperwork Only" program. Assist-2- Sell can help with the sales contract and the closing for an even lower, flat fee.
The Difference Between Assist 2 Sell and the local For Sale By Owner Advertising Companies
With Assist 2 Sell there are NO UPFRONT FEES! Also, if the home does not sell, then you owe us nothing. People often confuse our Full Service Licensed Real Estate Brokerage with the For Sale by Owner Company.
How we get excellent results?
We expose the properties to buyers using effective advertising. Instead of agents spending their money to promote themselves, as the broker, we spend the dollars to make sure buyers know our listings are for sale. We do not rely on the resources of an individual agent but he vast resources of the brokerage to advertise and market our properties.
Unlike traditional brokers, who rely heavily on the MLS®, we see MLS® as one of many marketing tools. Our exposure includes the Internet, all Social Media platforms Newspaper, Magazines, Direct Mail, Brochures and Feature Sheets, Virtual Tours and Virtual and In person Open Houses and MLS®. We do not promote our agents--no glamour shots--no sign inserts with their name and number. Our marketing spend is geared to our property listings and our results!
Our agents are available every day. Buyer’s agents are always available because our advertising makes the phone ring.
Most frustrating issue
Because we charge lower fees, we are labeled as “discount” brokers. That’s okay. Discount is no longer a dirty word. What is frustrating is that traditional agents will misrepresent what we do. They tell sellers that since we charge less, we do less, when in fact, we do more.
Since opening August 1, 2001 we have sold thousands of homes and have saved metro home sellers over 22 Million dollars in commissions. Team leader Michael Doyle has been licensed since 1985. He has personally participated in over 4000 real estate transactions in the Halifax Regional Municipality.
